If you’ve ever dreamed about a career in the National Football League, then we have great news for you! As it turns out, the NFL has been looking for you too. Earlier this week, NFL officials held the day-long “HBCU Careers In Football Forum,” and more than a few gems were dropped. Attendees represented over 40 HBCUs, with over 175 undergraduate students in attendance.
The league has been very intentional about recruiting HBCU talent, and it could be you! According to a statement from the NFL, “There is a fulfillment unlike any other that comes from working alongside like-minded individuals to achieve a common purpose. Whether you are working to deliver a memorable Super Bowl or aiding the process of delivering games to millions of fans on Sundays— we believe all of us play an important role in fulfilling the NFL’s mission of working to unite people and inspire communities.” So no matter what you have plans to do with your education, there is definitely room for opportunity.
The event commenced with a warm opening by Jamil Gittens, who serves as the Director of Football Administration and Club Services for the NFL. “We are super excited to have you, he told the students.” The HBCU Careers In Football Forum is a part of the NFL football operations of the National Football League’s mobility efforts to increase opportunities for minorities interested in pursuing careers in sports. This year’s event will bring students from HBCUs with the hope and the desire to inspire, develop, and connect you with a wonderful plethora of opportunities within the industry of professionalism within sports. “ said Jamil Gittens, director of football administration and club services for the NFL. The conversation was held December 8th from 10am-4pm.
Gittens and other NFL heavy-hitters were a significant part of the virtual event’s success. With seven events spread throughout the day, students heard from professionals all across the league. For example, the first event, “Business Operations Inside the League Office,” featured executives Hans Schroeder (EVP & COO of NFL Media); Dave Jurenka (SVP & General Manager of NFL Media); Nana-Yaw Asamoah (VP of New Business Development at the NFL); and Anna Isaacson (SVP, Social Responsibility at the NFL). The subsequent events featured leaders in communications, coaching, and diversity, equity and inclusion from teams like the Detroit Lions, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Washington Football Team. Multiple HBCU leaders were also involved in the event, including Ariel Escobar (Director of Football Operations at Tennessee State University) and Paula Jackson, Ph.D. (Associate Director of Athletics at Hampton University).
If you have a strong interest in the career opportunities within the NFL, don’t just watch the games on TV! Learn all about topics like working in college athletics, developing your elevator pitch, and even what perspectives executives can offer students like you! Explore NFL careers by clicking here.
